Lionel Messi gets curtain call, standing ovation, handshake from referee after hat trick in World Cup opener vs Algeria

Lionel Messi gets curtain call, standing ovation, handshake from referee after hat trick in World Cup opener vs Algeria originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Lionel Messi is the greatest conductor in soccer history. He proved as much on Tuesday night.

Facing off against a talent-laden Algerian side, the Argentine standout looked composed. That’s unsurprising for a player with his resume – Messi has scored more than 900 goals since the start of his career.

He didn’t have a World Cup hat trick, though – at least not until Tuesday night. That ignominious record came falling, as they tend to do when lined up against Messi. Argentina’s No. 10 bagged three goals against the Desert Warriors, anchoring La Albiceleste to a momentous victory over the African side.

Fans couldn’t help but give the 38-year-old his flowers as he left the pitch. It’s nothing less than one would expect from Messi, the greatest talent in the sport’s history.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Lionel Messi curtain call vs. Algeria

Messi received plenty of recognition after finishing off Tuesday’s match. Shortly after whipping his third effort beyond Zidane, he disappeared onto the substitute bench in favor of youngster Nico Paz.

Those who pooled into Arrowhead Stadium couldn’t help but be moved by his display. They serenaded him with hymns that have followed him since he started his career at Newell’s Old Boys all those years ago.

Lionel Messi receives a huge ovation from the fans in Kansas city after his hat trick to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup 👏 pic.twitter.com/vxZZp8tu50

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

MORE: List of all-time top scorers in World Cup history

They weren’t the only ones singing his praises. So too was the match’s referee, who felt compelled to give him a handshake following his glistening display.

MORE: Looking back at every World Cup goal Messi has ever scored

Lionel Messi stats vs Algeria

• Minutes: 80
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 0
• Shots: 6
• Shots on target: 4
• Passes: 30
• Pass completion: 81% (30/37)
• Touches: 57
• Dribble completion: 0% (0/2)

MORE: Where Messi ranks on list of all-time World Cup goal scorers